Which scope is optimal for a 22 Magnum Bolt Action?

When it comes to choosing the optimal scope for a 22 Magnum bolt action rifle, there are several factors to consider. The 22 Magnum cartridge offers a unique balance of power and accuracy, making it a popular choice for small game hunting and target shooting. To fully maximize the potential of this rifle, it is important to select a scope that provides clear and crisp optics, good magnification, and is durable enough to withstand the recoil of the rifle. In this article, we will explore some of the top options for scopes that are ideal for 22 Magnum bolt action rifles.

1. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope: This scope offers excellent low-light performance with its Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses. It provides a 3-9x magnification range, perfect for hunting scenarios where a wider field of view is needed.

2. Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire, Second Focal Plane Riflescope: This scope features a V-Plex reticle and a generous eye relief. The Diamondback series is known for its exceptional optics and durability, making it a reliable choice for 22 Magnum rifles.

3. UTG 4-16×50 Hunter Scope: This high-power scope offers a wide range of magnification, allowing for precise long-range shooting. It features a mil-dot reticle and an illumination enhancer for better visibility in low light conditions.

4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout, Second Focal Plane, 1-inch Tube Riflescope: This compact yet powerful scope is specifically designed for scout-style rifles. It has a long eye relief and a forgiving eye box, making it easy to acquire targets quickly.

5. Bushnell Engage Riflescope, Matte Black, 30mm Tube: This scope offers a wide field of view and excellent image clarity. It features the EXO Barrier lens coating for improved resistance to fog, water, and debris.

6. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 Rimfire Scope: Known for their high-quality optics, Leupold scopes are a popular choice among shooters. This scope features a Rimfire MOA reticle and a Twilight Light Management System for enhanced low-light performance.

7. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – V-Plex MOA: This scope is designed specifically for rimfire rifles and offers a V-Plex MOA reticle for quick and accurate target acquisition. It is built with aircraft-grade aluminum for durability.

8. Simmons 22 Magnum TruPlex Rimfire Rifle Scope: As the name suggests, this scope is made specifically for the 22 Magnum cartridge. It offers 3-9x magnification and a TruPlex reticle for easy target acquisition.

9. Barska 3-12 AO Hot Magnum 17/and 22: This scope is designed for both the 17 HMR and 22 Magnum cartridges. It features an adjustable objective (AO) lens for parallax correction and offers a wide magnification range.

10. BSA 3-9×40 Sweet 22 Rifle Scope: This scope is designed specifically for rimfire rifles and offers a bullet-drop compensating (BDC) reticle calibrated for the 22 Magnum cartridge. It provides a large field of view and is built with a durable one-piece tube.

11. Nikon Prostaff Rimfire 3-9x40mm: Nikon is known for producing high-quality optics, and this scope is no exception. It offers a quick-focus eyepiece and a BDC reticle calibrated for the 22 Magnum cartridge.

When mounting a scope on a 22 Magnum bolt action rifle, it is important to choose a reliable and sturdy mounting system. There are various types of scope mounts available, including one-piece mounts, two-piece mounts, and picatinny/weaver mounts. The type of mount you choose will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of your rifle.

The difference between the 2-7 and 4-16 magnification ranges refers to the variable zoom capabilities of the scope. A 2-7x magnification range means that the scope can magnify the target between 2 to 7 times, while a 4-16x magnification range means that the scope can magnify the target between 4 to 16 times. The choice between these magnification ranges depends on the intended use of the rifle and the shooting conditions. A lower magnification range (such as 2-7x) is ideal for close to mid-range shooting, while a higher magnification range (such as 4-16x) is better suited for long-range shooting.

Adjusting a scope involves zeroing it, which means aligning the point of impact with the reticle. This is done by adjusting the windage (horizontal adjustment) and elevation (vertical adjustment) knobs on the scope. Each click of the adjustment knobs typically corresponds to a specific measurement, such as minutes of angle (MOA) or milliradians (mil). The specific instructions for adjusting a scope can vary depending on the manufacturer and model, so it is important to refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.

In conclusion, selecting the optimal scope for a 22 Magnum bolt action rifle requires careful consideration of factors such as optics quality, magnification range, durability, and compatibility with the rifle. The scopes listed above are among the best options available, each offering unique features and benefits. Additionally, proper mounting and adjustment of the scope are essential for maximizing accuracy and performance. Ultimately, the choice of scope will depend on personal preference and specific shooting needs.